updated 05:00 pm EDT, Sun May 18, 2014

XLTE service makes use of Verizon's expansion into advanced wireless services band 4

Plans from Verizon have leaked, indicating the provider will announce an expansion of their LTE service. The rebranding will be labeled as XLTE, but will only be available in select areas of the United States. The limited number of cities that will see improvements are tied to LTE bandwidth increases in areas where advanced wireless services (AWS) spectrum as been added.

Uncovered by Droid-Life and evleaks, the rebrand of the LTE system suggests a doubling of speed, with the capability to have speeds faster at its peak. The availability of expanded LTE marks Verizon's use of AWS band 4, joined with its previous LTE communications in band 13. AWS band 4 from Verizon had previously seen a limited rollout in late 2013, which select phones had been able to access.

Users won't see any difference in the representation of a LTE connection on their phones, as no new XLTE indicator will be added. Verizon customers won't need to change plans in order to be able to use the upgraded speeds, but that doesn't mean all existing devices will be able take advantage of faster connections.

Many devices won't need to be changed to take advantage of XLTE, with any phone sold within the last year assumed to already be compatible. Phones like the HTC One (M8) and Samsung Galaxy S5 have already been said to be ready for XLTE out of the box, but models older than those may or may not be compatible. Phones that have the capability will most likely have an over-the-air update pushed to them before the service launches on May 19, according to sources.

A launch commercial has been located, thanks to Alex Maxham (via Engadget) highlighting the company's push for the XLTE expansion.